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Johannesburg - The National Development Plan is expected to be the main thrust of President Jacob Zuma's state-of-the-nation address on Thursday.
The NDP, which was produced by the National Planning Commission in the presidency, was endorsed by all political parties in the National Assembly last year.
Earlier this week, the presidency said all government programmes and plans for this year would be aligned to the NDP. One of the key factors in the plan were job creation, infrastructure and education.
Opposition parties, unions, business and organisations have voiced their wishes on what Zuma should say.
Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko said Zuma's presidency had "been characterised by inaction, political expediency, and scandal".
"As President Zuma delivers his fourth state-of-the-nation address (on Thursday), many South Africans have little confidence in his ability to deliver on what he promises," she said.
Most of the key pledges he made last year "barely got off the ground, or have not been given effect at all".
The DA called on Zuma, in his address, to show leadership, and provide clear deadlines for implementation of promises made.
The Freedom Front Plus said Zuma should use his address to bring South Africans certainty and hope for the future
Unemployment, slow economic growth, lack of foreign investment, and corruption were some of the most serious crises in the country, party leader Pieter Mulder said.
The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business Unity SA expected Zuma to restore business confidence in his speech.
Zuma will deliver his speech to the joint sitting in Parliament at 7pm on Thursday. The speech will be televised live.
Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk are among the people invited to attend this year's state-of-the-nation address.
